Ash Alarm: LA Schools Face Wildfire Aftermath

Los Angeles schools are reopening, but some parents are worried about the toxic ash from recent wildfires. Kelli Ferrone, a mom with two daughters at Canyon Charter Elementary, was shocked to find blackened cotton swabs and wipes from cleaning ash outside her kids' school. The Palisades Fire, which hit the coastal area, has left behind hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and plastics. While school officials say they're doing their best to clean up, some parents think the schools should relocate temporarily. Even with precautions taken, experts warn that the risk won't disappear overnight. The long-term health impacts of such fires are still unknown, and the ash can last for months, possibly affecting groundwater and soil. Some parents are opting to homeschool or find new schools for their kids' safety. It's a tough call for everyone, as school is crucial for kids' learning and emotional well-being.